Tampilkan postingan dengan label Fun Facts. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Fun Facts. Tampilkan semua postingan
Senin, 25 November 2013
Holiday Gift Guide for Amusement Park Fans
Minggu, 10 November 2013
Ultimate Coaster Design Book Updated
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| Roller coaster wheel carrier |
“Very impressive! What a great resource to have..for anyone.” - John S.
“Thanks for writing a very good book. I could not put it down. Lot's of great information. I am a technology and engineering teacher and the information I found here is very helpful in trying to get students more excited about engineering.” Amazon reviewer
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| Rotation about the track spine |
Some of the questions about roller coaster design you will have answered after reading include:
What software do roller coaster engineers use?
What college major is best to become a coaster designer?
How many engineers does it take to design a coaster?
How do roller coasters reach their highest point?
Why don’t coaster cars roll backwards down the lift hill?
Why do wheels on steel coasters come in pairs?
Why do we see so many clones of the exact same ride built at multiple parks?
How does a 4D coaster work?
How much does a roller coaster cost?
How much time does it take to design a roller coaster?
What is the difference between LIM and LSM propulsion?
What sort of background is necessary to get into the roller coaster engineering field?
How do you calculate the amount of power needed for the lift hill?
Currently, there are three options to purchase:
Paperback - $11.99
Kindle - $9.99
Digital PDF - $5.99
Jumat, 23 Agustus 2013
Read John Wardley's Book
If you're a fan of theme parks and want to know more about how attractions are designed then you must read John Wardley's book, Creating My Own Nemesis. John Wardley is the designer of several world class roller coasters including Vampire at Chessinton World of Adventures and Nemesis, Oblivion, and Air at Alton Towers. He talks about his early beginnings in the theatre, circus and magical cabaret, his time working on some of the most incredible special effects in the James Bond films (including the famous bus crash scene in Live and Let Die), and how he became associated with Madame Tussauds, the world's most famous wax museum. If you're a fan of magic, illusions, theater production, theme park design, or roller coaster design then you simply must read this book.
Purchase the paperback or Kindle Edition of John Wardley's book, Creating My Own Nemesis, from Amazon.com.
Selasa, 16 Juli 2013
Observation Wheels Book Released
This is the "sort-of" sequel to Coasters 101: An Engineer's Guide to Roller Coaster Design (which will hopefully be getting updated this fall). I've compiled statistics on almost seventy of the world's biggest Ferris wheelsm including the most unique ones in the world. Did you know there are eccentric Ferris wheels that combine the classic Ferris wheel with a car that rolls on a track like a roller coaster? Learn about it and more in my new book.
You can learn more about observation wheels by visiting my latest website.
Selasa, 26 Maret 2013
Dollywood 2013 Preview
Dolly Parton was at Dollywood on Friday, March 22nd to preview the upcoming 2013 season. Embedded below is a video shot during the media preview in which she tells us what to expect from Dollywood in 2013.
One of the highlights I'm most looking forward to is the park staying open later allowing us to ride Thunderhead and Wild Eagle roller coasters in the dark!
One of the highlights I'm most looking forward to is the park staying open later allowing us to ride Thunderhead and Wild Eagle roller coasters in the dark!
Minggu, 27 Januari 2013
Observation Wheel Pictures Wanted
I recently launched a brand new website called Observation Wheel Directory, that features a comprehensive list of the world’s largest observation wheels. The site contains numerous information and statistics on Ferris wheels around the globe including an interactive map to find an observation wheel near you.
One thing the site is currently lacking is pictures, and that’s where you come in! If you have a picture of an observation (and it is a picture you took and hold the copyright for) please submit it to the site. We will of course give you credit for the picture and link back to your website or blog if you have one. At this time we are only accepting large Ferris wheels, those over 150 feet in diameter ( we may make exceptions in the future). Or we will also accept pictures of unique Ferris wheels, like the Big O centerless Ferris wheel or the eccentric wheels like the ones at Coney Island and Disney California Adventure.
Submit your pictures by emailing me here: nick@observationwheeldirectory.com
Thanks, and I can't wait to see your photos.
Minggu, 29 Januari 2012
Animal Kingdom's Discovery River Boats Layout
The Discovery River Boats was an attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They were diesel powered boats which made a circuit around the Tree of Life. One scene along the route was called "the Dragon's Cave" and was located on the riverbank of Discovery River adjacent to the Beastly Kingdom Bridge. When riverbank sensors detected an oncomming Discovery River Boat, an audio roar and fire stream simulate the approach of a fire breathing dragon just inside riverbank cave structure.
The Discovery Rive Boats opened in 1998 and closed in 1999 due to the number of disappointed guests who did not realize the nature of the attraction. Below is an overhead layout diagram of the original ride. Click on the image for a larger picture.
Check out our other ride layout diagrams.
Click here to see an overhead image of Conservation Station at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Read More...
The Discovery Rive Boats opened in 1998 and closed in 1999 due to the number of disappointed guests who did not realize the nature of the attraction. Below is an overhead layout diagram of the original ride. Click on the image for a larger picture.
Click here to see an overhead image of Conservation Station at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Minggu, 15 Januari 2012
How to design a roller coaster book
If you’re an avid fan of Roller Coaster Tycoon or No Limits coaster simulations then you may really enjoy this new book. Have you ever wondered what it takes to design and build a roller coaster? At last, there's a book that shows you. Coasters 101: An Engineering Guide to Roller Coaster Design examines the numerous diverse aspects of roller coaster engineering, including some of the mathematical formulas and engineering concepts used.
This technical guide is the most detailed roller coaster design book to date and will take you through the entire process, from concept to creation. A must read for every enthusiast and aspiring roller coaster engineer!
I'll be talking about roller coasters on an upcoming episode of the Omgea Tau podcast (science and engineering in your headphones).
Purchase the paperback from Amazon or Create Space eStore.
Purchase the eBook Kindle edition from Amazon.Minggu, 12 Juni 2011
How does Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Work?
I constructed a recreation of a Kuka robocoaster in CATIA. I used the car from my cantilevered roller coaster simulations to save time. This is the same technology used on Harry Potter (although I'm not sure if they are actually Kuka robotics arms as I have heard Setpoint worked on them).
This is probably the closet you'll come to seeing a CAD model of the Harry Potter ride. Although I have yet to experience the Wizarding World for myself, I think the main differences between my model and Universal's is there's contains 47 robotic arms and is at a constant speed rate where my base speed is variable.
I made this in about a day so please excuse the lack of detail. The purpose was more to show proof of concept that this was possible to create with CATIA.
Read More...
This is probably the closet you'll come to seeing a CAD model of the Harry Potter ride. Although I have yet to experience the Wizarding World for myself, I think the main differences between my model and Universal's is there's contains 47 robotic arms and is at a constant speed rate where my base speed is variable.
I made this in about a day so please excuse the lack of detail. The purpose was more to show proof of concept that this was possible to create with CATIA.
Rabu, 18 Mei 2011
What computer software programs do roller coaster designers use?
Today, roller coasters are designed using the latest in computer technology. The universal tool for the engineer that has completely ruled out the classic drawing board is CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. Programs such as AutoCAD are used to draft, adjust and detail bents in accordance with ride standards. Some companies employ proprietary software which optimizes the track layout at the computer using elaborate numerical algorithms to help keep the g-forces on the passengers below required safety or customer defined limits. Computer programs can analyze dynamic and static calculations for the track, and automatically determine where supports should be placed.
3D CAD software, such as CATIA or Solidworks, now allows designers to have every aspect of thrill ride design all within one software program including 3D models, 2D manufacturing drawings, kinematic simulations, finite element analysis (FEA), and image renders for marketing purposes. Standard parts like bolts, springs, nuts, washers can be taken from standard part libraries or catalogs and bills of material can be derived directly from the model and inserted into a drawing.
Utilizing this type of software is an enormous improvement over methods that were employed even twenty five years ago. The time required to create a ride would be great without using a computer because of the enormous number of calculations required. Changes and iterations can be made much faster using the computer. Rides can also be built to higher standards, quality, and tolerances. Modern 3D CAD systems can help the engineers design the ride within the limits of biodynamic tolerances of the passengers. A simulation of the coaster can be done based on the CAD data, and so the forces and the dynamic behaviour can be determined way before a prototype has been built. The roller coaster is virtually assembled early in the design phase to test functional relations and mechanisms as well as collision detection of components and clearance envelope. When the CAD work is complete the production data is electronically sent to the manufacturer.
Senin, 07 Februari 2011
What is the average age of a roller coaster?
The average life of all 121 roller coasters that I've ridden is 17 years. This means a ride is erected and thrills riders for 17 years before being demolished. The average age of all 121 roller coasters I've ridden is 22 years. This means most are over 22 years old (the oldest being Jack Rabbit at Kennywood which has been standing for 91 years. Second oldest was Big Dipper at Geauga Lake).
Why is this? There were quite a few coasters (10?) I rode at Geauga Lake which were then demolished (or moved but the way I count my track record is essentially the same thing. Basically, when a coaster I rode ceases to exist at the park where I rode it then I list it as closed which then effects the average life of a coaster stat. Make sense?).
Read More...
Why is this? There were quite a few coasters (10?) I rode at Geauga Lake which were then demolished (or moved but the way I count my track record is essentially the same thing. Basically, when a coaster I rode ceases to exist at the park where I rode it then I list it as closed which then effects the average life of a coaster stat. Make sense?).
Minggu, 21 November 2010
Holiday Shopping?
The holiday season is upon us! It's time to start thinking about what's on your shopping list. The easiest way to avoid all the inconveniences of holiday shopping lines and crowds is to order your gifts online. But what does this have to do with this blog? Well, why not help support this site and get your holiday shopping done at the same time? I would really appreciate it if you can help support this site by using our Amazon.com search box. It's simple to use: just type the name of the product you are looking for in the Amazon.com search box and it will automatically take you to the Amazon website of the product. Simply order the gift as normal and a (tiny) fraction of what you spend will go to this site. What am I going to do with the money? Put it all back into the site to make it even better! Help me help you. (We also accept donations through PayPal, see the link on the sidebar).
Do you need a little extra cash during this holiday season? Start using the internet to your advantage to make some additional revenue. See the sidebar for the most popular sites I use to make fast money off of the internet. They're all free and easy to use. You don't have to put anything into it except a little time. Sites like Opinion Outpost pay you to take surveys online. Within a few weeks of joining you could be holding a check for $100!
Black Friday Deals Week:http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=384082011&tag=ca0a8-20 Read More...
Do you need a little extra cash during this holiday season? Start using the internet to your advantage to make some additional revenue. See the sidebar for the most popular sites I use to make fast money off of the internet. They're all free and easy to use. You don't have to put anything into it except a little time. Sites like Opinion Outpost pay you to take surveys online. Within a few weeks of joining you could be holding a check for $100!
Black Friday Deals Week:http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=384082011&tag=ca0a8-20 Read More...
Rabu, 15 September 2010
What are the mechanics of Mission: Space at EPCOT?
Mission: Space is one of the central attractions of EPCOT at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida. The intent of the ride is to give guests the sensation that they are going on an actual mission into outer space. Many guests are unaware of what the ride actually does or how it works. The attraction is essentially a multiple arm centrifuge. The illusion of acceleration is achieved by spinning and tilting capsules that you sit in during the four-minute mission to space. Fans blow air gently at riders to help avoid motion sickness and a display in front of each rider simulates the stars of space.
Mission: SPACE comprises four separate centrifuges, each with 10 capsules holding four riders, bringing the hourly capacity to 1,600 riders.. The attraction exposes riders to forces up to 2.5G, more than twice the force of gravity at the Earth's surface (effectively multiplying a rider's weight by 2.5). A few months after the ride's opening, motion sickness bags were added within easy reach of riders, and for good reason! But what does the ride actually look like? A multiple arm centrifuge is not the easiest contraption to visualize! I have created a quick CAD mock up of Mission: Space, minus the capsules that you actually sit in.
Starting in May of 2006, Disney began offering a less intense (or sickening) version of the ride where the centrifuge does not spin. This tamer experience is ironically known as the Green Team. The cabs themselves still pitch (+45, -55°) and pivot (±25° roll), providing some motion. The normal ride is still available and is called Orange Team. Here is another image of a similar style attraction built by ECT.
What Would Walt Do?
Read More...
Mission: SPACE comprises four separate centrifuges, each with 10 capsules holding four riders, bringing the hourly capacity to 1,600 riders.. The attraction exposes riders to forces up to 2.5G, more than twice the force of gravity at the Earth's surface (effectively multiplying a rider's weight by 2.5). A few months after the ride's opening, motion sickness bags were added within easy reach of riders, and for good reason! But what does the ride actually look like? A multiple arm centrifuge is not the easiest contraption to visualize! I have created a quick CAD mock up of Mission: Space, minus the capsules that you actually sit in.
There are a total of four of these centrifuges.
Ten arms on each one.
Starting in May of 2006, Disney began offering a less intense (or sickening) version of the ride where the centrifuge does not spin. This tamer experience is ironically known as the Green Team. The cabs themselves still pitch (+45, -55°) and pivot (±25° roll), providing some motion. The normal ride is still available and is called Orange Team. Here is another image of a similar style attraction built by ECT.
What Would Walt Do?
Rabu, 02 Juni 2010
Fun Facts: Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror
The Tower of Terror located at Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) is probably my all time favorite Disney attraction. Here are some fun facts about the attraction from a mechanical engineering perspective that you may not have read before.
Queue
The library show doors are hydraulically controlled from their own hydraulic supply which is
electrically controlled from the control panel in the library area. The exit doors from the library are pneumatic and are electrically controlled by actuators. There are two sets of sliding wall doors.
Located throughout the boiler room queue are steam leak effects. The system utilizes air water atomization nozzles to simulate leaking steam to create a creepy atmosphere.
The two elevator machinery props are located at the load level between load queue A and B
and load queue C and D. They simulate a failing elevator drive motor.
The Ride
The ride consists of six elevator lifts: four in the back and two main drop towers in the front. Cars from two of the back lifts feed into one of each of the front lifts via a hallway. The back four lifts are named A, B, C, D and the front two lifts are called E and F respectively. If one of the two main lifts is broken the ride's capacity is essentially cut in half (one of the reasons all the other versions of the Tower of Terror throughout the world have three lifts- if one goes down capacity is only cut by a third instead of half).
The ride vehicles are automated, wire guided and powered from battery banks. They crawl from one of the back lifts down a hallway to the other set of lifts. This is called the "fifth dimension." There are five charger stations to convert induced AC power to DC power in order to maintain a steady power supply for the ride vehicles.
Effects
The two sliding screen effects are located on the fifth dimension level and are controlled
pneumatically.
The star field doors are located on the fifth floor. They consist of two doors on E-Lift and two doors on F-Lift where the guests look out on the fifth dimension.
The pneumatically controlled Sparker special effects are used on the Hollywood Tower sign on the outside of the tower building, which looks really cool at night.
The projection equipment includes video, fiber optics and film projectors.
The Horton doors are located in electric equipment room, to the right of the service elevator on the
second floor. They consist of three doors on E-side and three doors on F-side where the guests look out on the park.
The two eyeball effects are located on the fifth dimension level and are controlled pneumatically.
Props and special effects are used throughout the attraction. Most run on 110 V supply and are
powered by local outlets. Other effects include: Ghost figures, E=MC2, Clock, and breeze fans which create a ghostly effect located in the corridor scenes, show area, and elevators.
I've included a really great diagram of the layout of the Tower of Terror attraction. This is a great illustration of how the cars negotiate from the back to the front set of elevators and back again. Do you have a specific attraction in mind to learn more about? Comment below to request it. Stay tuned for more!
What Would Walt Do?
Rabu, 19 Mei 2010
Fun Facts: Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is a runaway mine coaster found at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The ride features a backwards section and an encounter with a giant animatronic yeti. Here are some fun facts:
The ride was manufactured by Vekoma.
The mountain is 199 feet taller. If it were any taller a red beacon light would've had to been placed on top ruining the effect and theme.
The ride has 13 trains, 7 of which can be used at one time. Each train is only supposed to run continuously for a maximum of 5 hours. This is something I've often wondered about because most regional amusement park's coasters have only two trains and they run ten or more hours a day. Is this a Vekoma or Disney imposed rule?
The interesting thing about this ride for me as an engineer is the fact that it is actually three separate structures that never touch each other: the coaster, the mountain and the yeti. The coaster is a dynamic structure that vibrates and can yield a little bit without getting damaged. The coaster supports are colored black. There's that old saying for coasters "if it doesn't shake it's going to break." The mountain is a static structure. The fake rock work is constructed from plaster which would crack under vibrations. The mountain supports are red in color. The yeti structure is also dynamic.
The anti-roll back device uses magnetic fields so that it doesn't make the typical click-click-click sound while going up the lift hill.
This is another ride where I could draw you the entire layout of Expedition Everest even though I've never been on it (or even near it). The last time I was at Disney's Animal Kingdom was 2003. Everest opened in 2006.
Read More...
The ride was manufactured by Vekoma.
The mountain is 199 feet taller. If it were any taller a red beacon light would've had to been placed on top ruining the effect and theme.
The ride has 13 trains, 7 of which can be used at one time. Each train is only supposed to run continuously for a maximum of 5 hours. This is something I've often wondered about because most regional amusement park's coasters have only two trains and they run ten or more hours a day. Is this a Vekoma or Disney imposed rule?
The interesting thing about this ride for me as an engineer is the fact that it is actually three separate structures that never touch each other: the coaster, the mountain and the yeti. The coaster is a dynamic structure that vibrates and can yield a little bit without getting damaged. The coaster supports are colored black. There's that old saying for coasters "if it doesn't shake it's going to break." The mountain is a static structure. The fake rock work is constructed from plaster which would crack under vibrations. The mountain supports are red in color. The yeti structure is also dynamic.
The anti-roll back device uses magnetic fields so that it doesn't make the typical click-click-click sound while going up the lift hill.
This is another ride where I could draw you the entire layout of Expedition Everest even though I've never been on it (or even near it). The last time I was at Disney's Animal Kingdom was 2003. Everest opened in 2006.
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